No Room For Racism holds rally in CBD

Weeks after their last clash with Reclaim Australia, No Room For Racism protesters gathered in Melbourne’s City Square for a “peaceful speak out” against discrimination.

Ready to quell potential violence, police lined Swanston Street. The mounted unit and riot squad appeared to be on standby. An officer said they were expecting around 400 participants, but approximately 150 turned out.

Its Friday night so there must be tram outage on at least 2 lines and a protest #melbourne#cbd#crazy

Unimpressed with Victoria Police’s behaviour last protest, supporters were highly critical of “forces of the state”, accusing police of acting as “private security for neo-Nazis”.

Photo – Finbar O’Mallon

Several speakers called for an end to discrimination, particularly against Indigenous populations, citing the recent Adam Goodes controversy.

Faseeha Hashmi, a young student who is part of the No Room for Racism movement, joined Jacob Rumbiak, A Free Papua campaigner and other speakers to demand an end to the Abbott government’s immigration policies and Islamophobia.

“Islam is a peaceful religion. What’s your problem? No-one is here to take over the country,” one speaker said.

An alleged member of the United Patriot’s Front is escorted from the rally by police. Photo – Finbar O’Mallon

Despite being outnumbered by the anti-racism group, one man was identified as an United Patriot Front supporter (UPF). After being noticed by supporters, the man was confronted and a heated argument broke out.

A member of the crowd [left] confronts the suspected UPF member [right]. Photo – Finbar O’Mallon

The rally was temporarily interrupted and speakers encouraged the crowd to taunt the man with chants of “Fuck off, Nazi scum”.

Yarra City Councillor Stephen Jolly, a member of the Socialist Party also spoke to explain his “”alternate vision for Australians”. Jolly’s appearance follows news Victoria Police charged a 38-year-old Moe man for making death threats against the councillor.

He said the speak out was also a “victory rally” to celebrate the last protest, which saw more anti-racism protestors in attendance than Reclaim Australia members.

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